Three issues with the 49ers’ passing game

What’s going on with the 49ers’ passing game, which is currently ranked last in the league? First off, the statistic is a little misleading. The 49ers have based five of their six wins on their running game, defense and special teams, rendering the passing game almost irrelevant in those victories.

Also consider that the 6-3 Panthers are ranked 29th and the 9-0 Chiefs, with everyone’s favorite quarterback at the helm, are 28th.

What’s distressing about the 49ers’ passing is when they’ve needed it in their three losses, it wasn’t there. Experts have offered opinions on why.

Former 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer called Colin Kaepernick’s play “remedial” if Kaepernick’s first read is covered. Former Eagles and Rams quarterback Ron Jaworski said the shriveled passing game is due to the receivers, which he dubbed the slowest in the league.

After viewing the coach’s film of the 10-9 loss on Sunday to the Panthers, I agree with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh when he said there were plenty of “fingerprints” on the loss.

Here are three problems with the passing game:

1). It lacks cohesion. Here are four examples:

A. On the Kaepernick’s second pass of the game, he had Anquan Boldin open for a touchdown. However, either Boldin should have ran across the field or Kaepernick should have thrown the ball up field. Either way, the play ended in a dropped interception.

B. Later in the same quarter, Boldin and tight end Vernon Davis almost ran into each other on a third down play that was not converted.

C. On the second drive in the fourth quarter, the 49ers emptied the backfield and put five receivers on the line of scrimmage. Not surprisingly, the Panthers blitzed and with no running back to pick it up, Kaepernick needed to throw “hot” to a short route, however, Kaepernick exclusively looked to his right where his three receivers were running deep and never turned around. On his left, two players ran short routes, but Kaepernick never looked that way. He eventually threw the ball away.

D. On the final pass of the game, Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams ran the same route on the same side of the field about 3 yards apart. They were quadruple-covered and Kaepernick’s under thrown pass was picked off.

2). Kaepernick often doesn’t stay in the pocket long enough for routes to develop. Against the Titans, Kaepernick slide in the pocket and even took a hit after he threw the ball. It turned out to be one of his best games of the season. Against Carolina, he did that exactly once – on the last play of the game. If Kaepernick is to be successful and win the admiration of his teammates, he will need to deliver the ball and take a hit.

3). It seems as if there is a lack of trust between quarterback and receivers. When Jaworski said the 49ers have the slowest receivers in the league, he might be right. However, the receivers fail to run routes with much conviction. Their cuts appear lazy, their explosion off the line almost non-existent. It looks like they are not believing in the routes they are running, or maybe they think they will never get a pass.

Kaepernick, meanwhile, doesn’t trust his receivers enough to “throw them open” meaning throwing before the receiver makes his break or turns around. It’s something that Alex Smith also failed to do until Jim Harbaugh arrived.

The good news? The issues can be resolved and Kaepernick is still a young player adjusting to what defenses are now showing him. Also, players, at least publicly, retain confidence in him.

“I think he is doing well,” running back Frank Gore said of his quarterback. “Every year is going to be tougher. As long as he keeps standing there, and manning up, and try to give his teammates his all, that’s all we want from him.”

Twitter: @klynch49

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Colin Kaepernick (7) and Aldon Smith walked off the field after the loss Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) and Aldon Smith walked off the field after the loss Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a 5-week hiatus and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Aldon Smith returns to the field in the second quarter after a 5-week hiatus and was given a standing ovation by the fans. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Tramaine Brock runs back an interception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Tramaine Brock runs back an interception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Carlos Rogers, left, celebrates Tramaine Brock's interception with Brock in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Carlos Rogers, left, celebrates Tramaine Brock's interception with Brock in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Mike Mitchell "Kaepernicks" after sacking Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Mike Mitchell "Kaepernicks" after sacking Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Vance McDonald has a pass broken up by Carolina's Luke Kuechly in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Vance McDonald has a pass broken up by Carolina's Luke Kuechly in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after throwing an interception in the final seconds of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. The 49ers lost the game 10-9. less

Colin Kaepernick walks off the field after throwing an interception in the final seconds of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) was called for a penalty after this run in with A.J. Klein in the first half Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) was called for a penalty after this run in with A.J. Klein in the first half Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham (82) played in his first game of the year and had several catches Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Mario Manningham (82) played in his first game of the year and had several catches Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) made a throw on the run late in the fourth quarter that was out of bounds Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Colin Kaepernick (7) made a throw on the run late in the fourth quarter that was out of bounds Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Cam Newton (1) goes to recover a bad snap late in the fourth quarter that forced them to kick the ball to San Francisco Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park. less

Cam Newton (1) goes to recover a bad snap late in the fourth quarter that forced them to kick the ball to San Francisco Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Former 49er Terrell Owens made an appearance at the game and took place in the coin tossing ceremony Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick Park. less

Former 49er Terrell Owens made an appearance at the game and took place in the coin tossing ceremony Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers were beaten by the Carolina Panthers 10-9 at Candlestick ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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Ahmad Brooks (55) gets his face mask held as he puts pressure on quarterback Cam Newton in the first quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Ahmad Brooks (55) gets his face mask held as he puts pressure on quarterback Cam Newton in the first quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Brandon LaFell catches a pass from Cam Newton in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Brandon LaFell catches a pass from Cam Newton in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Tramaine Brock intercepts a pass intended for Steve Smith in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Tramaine Brock intercepts a pass intended for Steve Smith in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton on the run from the 49ers defense in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton on the run from the 49ers defense in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton is sacked in the first quarter by Ahmad Brooks. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton is sacked in the first quarter by Ahmad Brooks. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham is upended after a reception in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Mario Manningham is upended after a reception in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Dan Skuta pressures Cam Newton in the first quarter resulting in an incomplete. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Dan Skuta pressures Cam Newton in the first quarter resulting in an incomplete. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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The 49ers Gold Rush perform during a time out in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

The 49ers Gold Rush perform during a time out in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Frank Gore (21) met up and got by Mike Mitchell of the Panthers in the first half Sunday Nobember 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Frank Gore (21) met up and got by Mike Mitchell of the Panthers in the first half Sunday Nobember 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Greg Olsen makes a reception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Greg Olsen makes a reception in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Eric Reid recovers a muffed punt in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Eric Reid recovers a muffed punt in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton is pressured by Dan Skuta in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Cam Newton is pressured by Dan Skuta in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Joe Staley tries to quiet the crowd when the 49ers are in the red zone in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. less

Joe Staley tries to quiet the crowd when the 49ers are in the red zone in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Phil Dawson, right, and Andy Lee, left, watch Dawson's third field goal of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013. less

Phil Dawson, right, and Andy Lee, left, watch Dawson's third field goal of the game. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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The Panthers celebrate their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

The Panthers celebrate their first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) raced around the pocket to make a short pass in the second quarter Sunday November 10, 2013. The San Francisco 49ers vs the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Frank Gore cuts back on a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Frank Gore cuts back on a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Carolina Panthers at Candelstick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 and Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 and Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Frank Gore breaks free for a run against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the 49ers' game on Nov. 10, 2013.

Frank Gore breaks free for a run against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the 49ers' game on Nov. 10, 2013.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

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Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a twenty-five yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Phil Dawson #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a twenty-five yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers catches the ball while covered by Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers catches the ball while covered by Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is pressured by Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is pressured by Tony Jerod-Eddie #63 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. less

DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. less

DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers scores on a twenty-seven yard run, breaking the tackle of Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park on November 10, ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers warms up before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco.

Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers warms up before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco.